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Fever in the Returning Traveller

Fever in the Returning Traveller

Teaser: 

Alberto Matteelli, MD, Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
Anna Cristina Carvalho, MD, Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
Veronica Dal Punta, MD, Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.

The number of international travellers is steadily increasing, paralleled by the number of persons with travel-related diseases. Fever in the returning traveller should always raise suspicion of severe and potentially life-threatening infections. Therefore, physicians should be familiar with the most common syndromes, relevant diagnostic procedures, optimal treatment regimens, and referral criteria. This review gives a general overview of the pathogens causing fever in the returning traveller, their clinical presentation, and standard management procedures.
Key words: fever, travel, older adults, tropical diseases, vaccination.

Fever in Older Cancer Patients: A Medical Emergency

Fever in Older Cancer Patients: A Medical Emergency

Teaser: 


Deepali Kumar MD, MSc, FRCP(C), Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Immunocompromised Host Service, University Health Network; Assistant Professor, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.

The incidence of cancer continues to increase, and many persons receiving treatment for cancer are older adults. Fever in older adults with cancer can be an emergency. Any patient with fever and neutropenia should be given antibiotics as soon as possible. In addition to the immune senescence associated with aging, individuals with cancer have immunodeficiencies specific to their underlying malignancy, and these predispose them to specific infections. Older adults are also at higher risk of the complications of chemotherapy, including infections. Prompt evaluation and judicious management of the febrile cancer patient can reduce morbidity and mortality. The following review considers an approach to the etiologies and evaluation of fever in cancer including the infectious and noninfectious causes.
Key words: fever, cancer, older adults, antibiotics, neutropenia.